apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

i read an article a while back that contradicts their "solution" to what to do with your toothbrush. The article above states put it behind closed doors like in a medicine cabinet. The one i read before said this is a bad idea as well since putting it in a dark area creates the dark and wet environment that bacteria love to multiple in as well.

I think people have survived for over a century of having their toothbrushes on the sink which is next to the toilet.

If you run it under hot water before you put toothpaste on it and stick it in your mouth, anything that may have landed on it will be 95% gone.

(What else have you had in your mouth today?)

Gosh, you'd think we'd all be dead by now. I'm prompted to comment about how hypersterile Americans have become as we've succumbed to the marketing hype about how we'd really be better off in an anti-bacterial world.

I grew up in decade where there was no such thing as an Atari (let alone a Wii or X-box), we didn't wear kneepads and helmets, we used plain old soap and water, dust mites and pet hair were something you took care of with a good vacuum or washing, and toothbrushes lived happily on the bathroom sink. And I survived to tell about it!

Ok, sure, helmets are an improvement. But talk about fodder for a nation of hypochondriacs.

I guess I'm one of the hold-outs who believes the science that demonstrates exposure to a few germs causes the body to create a broader spectrum of antibodies -- the consequence being when infecton does threaten, the body is better equipped to fight. So make sure you're getting your daily dose of floor licking!

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/04/health/webmd/main1774287.shtml

This germophobia thing is a bit over the top. While there are things you want to be wary of - harmful E. Coli and chemicals on food, tracking herbicides into the home - brushing your teeth with a sterile toothbrush and constantly lysoling your sink/countertops aren't going to improve your health. In fact, children with developing immune systems raised in these environments have MORE problems later due to lack of immune stimulation.
Keep in mind that less than 30% of all bacteria are pathogenic, and only a fraction of those bacteria are likely to be found in the home.

I keep my toothbrush in the shower because thats where I brush my teeth. Is that better....or worse?

Never ever ever get your health, medical, scientific or technological news from a major news outlet. Ever.

There's a reason I keep the toilet seat cover down when not in use.

I'm not sure it rises to the level of health and safety, but I am curious about storing coffee in the fridge or freezer. I was taught to because it kept it fresher longer. But this article says it can deteriorate the flavor.

I agree with most of these posts about the over sterilization of society and just plain fear we seem to thrive on in our reporting, but the coffee thing is about right. Airtight and away from light is the best, grind before use even better, and the fridge (or any extreme cold) tends to reduce flavor. Of course most coffee we buy has had the flavor removed for us...

The best ride on an airplane is next to the wings... Unless you're afraid of mischevious gremlins like the rest of us!

Kim - well said!

Kimg - I am with you totally! jesus christ, everyone's so paranoid! a reflection of our increasing internal obsessions while the rest of the world falls apart. harrumph!

I'm no germaphobe (wouldn't dream of using antibacterial soaps), but I draw the line at fecal contamination of toothbrushes. As for Americans having survived the past century of having their toothbrushes next to the toilet -- sure, but think of how Noro- and Roto-viruses (and similar) tear through whole families... ugh!

some of the items makes sense though. like the shoes in the house part. i never wear shoes in my apartment. maybe it's the living in New York thing.

They tested the toothbrush thing in Mythbusters a while ago! They kept the tootbrushes on the same level as the toilet, just inches away. Had NO effect whatsoever.

I never use antibacterial products, neither did my mum.

Not allergic to anything, don't get sick easily, alive and well.